By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
Nov. 5, 2002
The 14 Annual Mississippi State Mixed Tournament hits the mid-point of its three-week run this weekend. For yet another weekend, bowlers from across the state will converge on Dixie Bowl Lanes vying for the championships in both Team and Doubles events. All local bowlers are urged to participate in order to help us reach our goal of 200 teams. The entry fee is only $20 per person per event so get your mixed team together, grab yourself a doubles partner and come join the action. You may enter up to 30 minutes prior to each shift on a "lanes available" basis. Shift times are 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
The entry deadline is closing in for the 22nd Annual Seniors Bowling Tournament which will be held December 7-8 and 14-15 at Larwil Lanes in Jackson. The November 15 closing date is only ten days away, so if you haven't gotten your entry in, now is the time to do so. There are five separate age brackets, with the winner in each division (except Class E) receiving a paid entry into the National Seniors Tournament in Reno, Nevada.
Games the size of Texas were the order of the day in local action last week. Rodney Bounds started the barrage with a nice 289 Thursday night, only to miss perfection Friday with a 299. On Monday night, Andrew Clayton saw a nine-in-a-row string snapped by a "solid 5" while just a few lanes away Mark Moss performed his version of the "Fike Tug" after nine straight and watch the dreaded Greek Church rise out of the ashes. Later that evening, Leon Fike himself demonstrated his ability with the tug to finish a strike run for a 289. Greg Taylor didn't perform his tug, but his strike, spare and ten out were good enough for a 280. Just to add to the fun, Terry Wells punched out a nice 279 and Charlie Walton carded a 278. Andrew Clayton held down the high series of the week with a 771 while Mike Cothern recorded a house leading eighth 700 with a 714 in the Wednesday Night Mixed league. Speaking of the Wednesday Night Mixed league, congratulations to league president Sharon McDonald, now Sharon Wade who tied the knot recently. (I know marriage does strange things to you, but a 114?) Good luck, Sharon. May your future be bright.
As for the other ladies, Mary Copeland was the ruler of the roost last week with a 237 game/636 series in the Bowlerettes league. Shirley Gaines turned in a nice 227/611 effort while Karen Mattson and Lou Timms each pounded out 228s. Judy Bounds rounded out the top scorers with a 224 game.
The Bowlerettes league on Tuesday night has started a Bowler of the Week award. Last week's winner was Mona McGrane. Best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery go out to Sally Prib of the Northwood Ladies league following recent surgery and to Karen Harrison who was expected to be released from a Gulf Coast hospital last week.
Remember bowlers, if you have any news you would like me to report, please let me know. I will be happy to include it in this column whenever possible. Whether it is a high game or series or news of a personal nature, contact me and I will do my best to see that it gets into print. This column is for you and about you. I hope to do a better job in the future of including the items you want to see. Til next week. . . Good luck and good bowling.